The Grocer: Daikon
Native to southeast and continental Asia, daikon is a popular winter radish that is used extensively in Japanese cuisine.
Daikon is an unusual variety of radish that grows primarily in Southeast and East Asia characterised by large leaves and a long white root. Considered a vegetable and a root, it offers a variety of culinary uses depending on how the daikon is prepared. Daikon is often pickled or diced and added to soups, salads and rice dishes and is praised for its high nutrient content. The foodstuff reportedly aids respiratory issues, boosts digestive health, removes toxins, strengthens the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
There are many recipes that include daikon radish in Asian cuisine, ranging from fresh and healthy salads to more inventive fare. Daikon radish is the perfect ingredient to inspire creative cooking – we recommend starting simple with roasted daikon radish with carrots and peppers or a zesty daikon radish salad (add some Japanese plum dressing for more authentic flavours) before working your way up to meals such as rice flake-crusted hake. If you are keen to cook healthy meals, daikon radish can help bolster a range of dishes such as kale pad thai with daikon radish, peanut and daikon radish noodle salad and a creative take on French fries. If you love to grow your own fruit and vegetables, daikon seeds can be purchased for home growing but be aware that they take up a lot of space in order to grow fully. They are best sewn in late summer.
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